Ukraine news LIVE — Evil Putin faces ‘extremely large losses’ as Kremlin plots new wave of missile strikes
THE Kremlin could be facing over "100,000"; losses before Christmas, according to steadfast Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Speaking in his nightly address, Mr Zelensky warned that despite massive losses, the Kremlin is still attempting to advance.
: "Despite extremely big Russian losses, the occupiers are still trying to advance in the Donetsk region, gain a foothold in the Luhansk region, move in the Kharkiv region, they are planning something in the south."
He added Russia could be set to “lose a hundred thousand of its soldiers...and only God knows how many mercenaries,” by the end of the year.
This comes as experts warn Putin could be set to begin a new wave of missile strikes across Ukraine in the coming days, targeting the country's ability to produce electricity this winter.
Read our Ukraine-Russia live blog for the latest updates.
Who controls what in Ukraine?
The Ministry of Defence has once again shared a look at the battlefield in Ukraine.
Take a look at the current situation below.
Russia has killed 'more than 20,000' civilians' in Ukraine, EU chief claims
In a video address published this morning, Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission’s president, outlined some of the horrors of Putin's invasion.
She said: “Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has brought death, devastation and unspeakable suffering.
"We all remember the horrors of Bucha. It is estimated that more than 20,000 civilians and more than 100,000 Ukrainian military officers have been killed so far."
Ukraine signs new digital trade agreement with Britain
Ukraine and Britain will sign a new digital trade agreement today, giving the under-siege nation access to the UK's financial services as it looks to rebuild its economy.
The deal will be signed in London today by British trade secretary Kemi Badenoch and Ukraine’s first deputy prime minister Yulia Svyrydenko.
According to PA Media, Ms Badenoch said: “The landmark digital trade deal agreed today between our two countries paves the way for a new era of modern trade between us.
“This agreement will mean our businesses and governments can collaborate even more and ensure Ukrainians have access to essential goods and services [that] digital trade opens up.”
More shells hit Zaporizhzhia overnight as Russian barrage continues
The Zaporizhzhia region was hit with further shelling last night, according to Oleksandr Starukh, the head of the Zaporizhzhia regional military administration.
The attacks hit a gas distribution point, causing a fire.
Taking to Telegram, he penned: “In one of the settlements of the Zaporizhzhia district, a gas distribution point was damaged as a result of a rocket (probably S-300) hit, resulting in a fire.
"It was quickly eliminated, but three streets remained without gas. Fortunately, people were not hurt."
Russia to invest in nuclear weapons infrastructure
Russia has today announced it will be investing in "strategic nuclear forces" next year.
“When preparing the list of major construction facilities for 2023, special attention will be paid to construction in the interests of the strategic nuclear forces,” Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said according to Russian state media RIA news agency.
The Kremlin will reportedly develop new military systems at five bases.
EU to set up court targetting Russian war crimes
Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission’s president, shared a video address on Twitter this morning where the EU declared it will set up a "specialised" court to try Russian war crimes.
In the video, she said: “Russia must pay for its horrific crimes, including for its crime of aggression against a sovereign state. This is why, while continuing to support the international criminal court, we are proposing to set up a specialised court backed by the United Nations to investigate and prosecute Russia’s crime of aggression.
“We are ready to start working with the international community to get the broadest international support possible for this specialised court.
“Russia must also pay financially for the devastation that it has caused. The damage suffered by Ukraine is estimated at €600bn. Russia and its oligarchs have to compensate Ukraine for its damage and for the costs for rebuilding the country.”
Olena Zelenska meets the Queen Consort at Buckingham Palace
Olena Zelenska, the First Lady of Ukraine, met with Camilla, the Queen Consort, as well as a series of other female world leaders in Buckingham Palace yesterday.
The group met to discuss violence against women in Ukraine and across the globe.
Speaking of the meeting, Lady Camilla said: “Today, a remarkable group of people gathered at Buckingham Palace with one aim – to see the end of violence against women and girls.
“I was deeply moved and inspired by their stories. With determination and courage, we will see the end of these heinous crimes forever.”
Ukraine's foreign minister attends NATO meeting
Dmytro Kuleba, the Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs, is in attendance at the NATO meeting in Bucharest this week.
Taking to Twitter, Mr Kuleba shared some details of yesterday's meeting: "I met with NATO Foreign Ministers to share Ukraine’s needs for this difficult winter.
"Allies made announcements of new deliveries and committed to supporting us for as long as it takes. Ukraine’s victory will ensure peace and security for all."
Russia launches 80 missiles at the Sumy region in one day
According to Sumy's governor, the Kremlin launched a staggering 80 missiles at the region yesterday.
The shells targeted the Krasnopillia, Nova Sloboda, Vorozhba, and Druzhba communities.
No casualties were reported.
The second day of NATO talks begins in Bucharest
Today marks the second round of NATO foreign minister talks in Bucharest, Romania.
Yesterday, the leaders pledged their continuing support to Ukraine, as it continues to repel Russian aggression.
Netherlands foreign minister Wopke Hoekstra said had this to say, according to The Independent, upon arrival this morning: “The reason we are having this gathering is a signal from us on how important it is to create stability not just for Nato countries but beyond."
Rishi Sunak shares message of support for the people of Ukraine
On Sunday, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak shared a message of support for the people of Ukraine as they continue to battle Putin’s invasion.
In the clip, Ukrainian voices say: “I believe in freedom. I believe we should stand up for the fundamental rights that matter so much to us all.
“For our sovereignty, for our self determination and for the foundations of a stable international order we are all fighting to restore.
“The Ukrainian people face bombing in the day and blackouts at night.
“But we know our friends will always be there to help see us through.
“The UK is one of our most steadfast allies. They give weapons for our battle, kit to keep us warm and friendship to restore our spirits.
“We know they will never let us down as we fight to win this war.
“With your help, we will secure our freedom. Together we will never back down, together we will be strong, together we will protect Ukraine and the freedoms we all cherish so much.”
Almost 1million Kyiv residents without power
According to a report from the Independent, almost 1million Kyiv residents are currently without power.
This comes as Russia continues its brutal attacks on energy infrastructure.
Per the report, 985,000 people are currently facing freezing weather without electricity in the capital city.
Putin extends powers to crush opposition voices
According to the latest intel released by the British Ministry of Defence, Putin has pushed through legislation giving him greater powers to crush opposition in Russia.
The statement reads: "In July 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin approved amendments to the 2012 ‘Foreign Agents Law’, which has been widely used to repress opponents of the regime. The new measures are scheduled to come into force on 01 December 2022.
"The 2012 law defined ‘foreign agents’ as individuals or organisations who have received financial support from abroad. The amendments will extend the definition to those which are merely under undefined ‘influence or pressure’ of foreign actors.
"The Ministry of Justice will also have the power to publish the personal details and addresses of designated ‘foreign agents’, almost certainly placing them at risk of harassment.
"The new laws will further extend the repressive powers available to the Russian state. This continues a trend since Putin returned to the presidency in 2012, but which has dramatically accelerated since the invasion of Ukraine.
"The Kremlin is likely acting pre-emptively to prevent greater domestic dissent as the conflict remains unresolved and increasingly impacts Russians’ everyday lives."
Could Russia be planning to leave Europe’s largest nuclear power plant?
Ukrainian officials have suggested the Kremlin could be planning to pull its forces from the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.
“In recent weeks we are effectively receiving information that signs have appeared that they are possibly preparing to leave the [plant],” Petro Kotin, head of energy operator Energoatom, said this week.
“One gets the impression they’re packing their bags and stealing everything they can.”
However, Russian officials have rejected these claims.
“The media are actively spreading fakes that Russia is allegedly planning to withdraw from Enerhodar and leave the [nuclear plant]. This information is not true,” the region’s Russian-backed administration said.
More on Olena Zelenska’s Commons speech
While speaking in the House of Commons yesterday afternoon, Ukraine’s first lady said Britain could be a “world leader…for justice” if it provides further for Ukraine.
“I am asking you a small favour to become the world leader in the effort for justice.” Ms Zelenska says.
“We need it so that the world can survive. We can see terror online. We can see it live. I believe that London can give the decisive impetus to make the world better.”
Russia slams US ‘hostility’ as Kremlin cancels nuclear-peace talks
Following the Kremlin’s decision to indefinitely postpone nuclear-peace talks with the United States planned to take place in Egypt this week, Russian officials have slammed the US’ “hostility.”
“In all areas, we note the highest level of toxicity and hostility from Washington,” said Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova via Telegram.
“As part of the all-out hybrid war unleashed against us, almost every US step towards Russia is subject to a pathological desire to harm our country wherever possible.”
German official brands Russia ‘war criminals’
Germany’s Justice Minister has slammed the Kremlin, accusing Russia of “war crimes” in Ukraine.
“War criminals should not and must not be allowed to feel safe anywhere,” Marco Buschmann said.
He added that Russia should be tried at the International Criminal Court.
Ukraine’s masterful artworks go on display at Madrid museum
Dozens of modern artworks removed from Kyiv to protect them from Russian strikes that have already done huge damage to Ukraine’s cultural heritage went on display at a Madrid museum on Tuesday.
The works on show at the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum of Art as part of the “In the Eye of the Storm: Modernism in Ukraine 1900-1930” exhibition include oil paintings, sketches and collages.
Francesca Thyssen-Bornemisza founded “Museums for Ukraine” which is seeking to showcase Ukrainian art, using the museum which houses her late father’s collection for the exhibition.
The Madrid exhibition is one of a number of showings of Ukraine’s cultural heritage across Europe, as well as an effort to raise awareness of the threat posed to the war-torn country’s artistic legacy as fighting grinds on.
Curators say it is one of the most comprehensive surveys of Ukrainian modern art in the period between 1900 to 1930.
President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a video shown at a preview Monday that “this is a vision of what Russia is trying to destroy”.
UN nuclear watchdog to increase presence across Ukraine
According to a report from the Kyiv Independent, the International Atomic Energy Agency is set to increase its presence across Ukraine’s four nuclear power plants.
Rafael Grossi, the watchdog’s chief, said this will help secure Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
He added he is working “towards the urgent establishment of a nuclear safety and security protection zone around Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.”
Lithuania calls for modern tanks to be provided to Ukraine
A top Lithuanian official has said NATO should provide Ukraine with modern tanks before the end of the year.
Lithuania’s foreign minister Gabrielius Landsbergis said: “I’ve talked to a number of military experts and the answer I’m hearing is that if we provided tanks by this winter, let’s say January, it could make a difference.”
This comes as NATO foreign secretaries met in Bucharest yesterday.
The ‘door is open’ for Ukrainian NATO membership
According to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, Ukraine will one day be a member of the military alliance.
“NATO’s door is open,” Stoltenberg said.
Russia has been vocal in its opposition to Ukrainian NATO membership.
Could Russia be planning to leave Europe’s largest nuclear power plant?
Ukrainian officials have suggested the Kremlin could be planning to pull its forces from the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.
“In recent weeks we are effectively receiving information that signs have appeared that they are possibly preparing to leave the [plant],” Petro Kotin, head of energy operator Energoatom, said this week.
“One gets the impression they’re packing their bags and stealing everything they can.”
However, Russian officials have rejected these claims.
“The media are actively spreading fakes that Russia is allegedly planning to withdraw from Enerhodar and leave the [nuclear plant]. This information is not true,” the region’s Russian-backed administration said.
More on Olena Zelenska’s Commons speech
While speaking in the House of Commons this afternoon, Ukraine’s first lady said Britain could be a “world leader…for justice” if it provides further for Ukraine.
“I am asking you a small favour to become the world leader in the effort for justice.” Ms Zelenska says.
“We need it so that the world can survive. We can see terror online. We can see it live. I believe that London can give the decisive impetus to make the world better.”
Russia slams US ‘hostility’ as Kremlin cancels nuclear-peace talks
Following the Kremlin’s decision to indefinitely postpone nuclear-peace talks with the United States planned to take place in Egypt this week, Russian officials have slammed the US’ “hostility.”
“In all areas, we note the highest level of toxicity and hostility from Washington,” said Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova via Telegram.
“As part of the all-out hybrid war unleashed against us, almost every US step towards Russia is subject to a pathological desire to harm our country wherever possible.”